The Court of Appeal in Abuja has declared the Zamfara State governorship election held on March 18, 2023, inconclusive.
The decision overturns the initial declaration by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), which pronounced Dauda Lawal of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the winner, defeating incumbent governor Bello Matawalle of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
Matawalle had contested the outcome at the tribunal, but his petition was dismissed for lacking merit. Undeterred, he took the matter to the Court of Appeal, where Justice Sybil Nwaka, reading the lead judgment, ordered INEC to conduct a fresh election in three local government areas of the state.
This directive encompasses areas where elections were not held previously or where results from various polling units were not counted.
She said,
“This appeal is hereby allowed. The March 2023 Governorship election held in Zamfara State is inconclusive.INEC is hereby directed to hold fresh elections in Birnin Magaji, Bukun Yum LGA, and Maradun local government areas.”
The Zamfara APC has welcomed the judgment, with the party’s secretary, Yusuf Idris, expressing satisfaction in a statement.
Idris said,
“With today’s declaration by the Court of Appeal, we are optimistic that very soon, the people’s Governor Bello Mohammed Matawalle will be back to his rightful position as the executive Governor of Zamfara State.
“The ruling was a clear testimony of our strong belief in God’s choice to give power or take it as He wills. We are also appreciative of the judiciary for painstakingly carrying out a job well done.
“To our opponents, we say God’s time is always the best, and we promise to continue to champion the cause of peace, harmony and development of Zamfara State to greatness.”
On the other hand, the Zamfara PDP remains optimistic about Lawal’s chances, as indicated by their spokesperson, Buhari Maijega, who believes Lawal will emerge victorious in the anticipated fresh polls.
Maijega said,
“You see, Governor Dauda Lawal has an advantage over former governor Bello Mattawalle for many reasons.
“Firstly, he has about 65, 000 votes ahead of Matawalle. Secondly, he will still win more votes in the return election and eventually be declared winner. Thirdly, he has the the right to go to the Supreme Court to challenge the appeal court’s decision. So, I don’t see any hope for the former governor to come back.
“I also want the APC members and supporters to understand that the rerun election will be conducted in just few poling units of Maradun, Bukkuyum and Birnin Magaji local government areas.
“So, even if the PPD did not go out to campaign, I am very optimistic that Dr Dauda Lawal will still get additional votes in those three local governments and will eventually defeat his opponent, Bello Mattawalle.”
